WELCOME RETURN TO LEICESTER

September 1999

No 158

The University of Leicester is offering people a chance to relive their student days - by inviting its graduates back to the city.

The University has tens of thousands of graduates in over 80 countries and holds reunions around the world in order to keep in touch with its members.
The Annual Reunion in Leicester, on September 18, is the highlight of a packed year of activities for University graduates and will feature the annual general meeting of the graduate organisation, Convocation, plus a pub quiz, disco and tours of the University.

Graduate Relations Officer Kathryn Whitehurst said: "The University feels a great sense of pride in the achievements of its graduates, and this is an opportunity to welcome back our former students.

"Our graduates have achieved successes in many fields including business and industry, politics, the voluntary sector and in professions like law, medicine, finance, journalism and teaching.

"They are international ambassadors for the University and the city and county, many of them returning to Leicester or indeed recommending members of their families to study here."

Famous graduates of the University include former Crimewatch presenter Sue Cook, journalist Michael Nicholson, comedian Bob Mortimer, incoming Chief of the Met. John Stevens, British ambassador to India Sir Rob Young, authors CP Snow and Malcolm Bradbury, Chief Medical Officer Professor Liam Donaldson and a number of MPs.

Ms Whitehurst added: "Many students are attracted to Leicester by the reputation of the University and they choose to stay in Leicester after graduation - simply because they love Leicester. A survey of students' views of Leicester found that they had developed a strong loyalty for the city - with 80 per cent saying they would recommend Leicester as a good place to live.

"Those who attend the reunion are glad to return to the place where they spent some of the best years of their lives."

NOTE TO NEWSDESK: The Annual Reunion takes place on September 18 at the University of Leicester. There are various photo opportunities please contact the Alumni Office for details tel 0116 252 2931.